Casa Faena

Casa Faena, Miami: A Charming Michelin-Selected Retreat with Old-World Elegance

Casa Faena, a Michelin Key Selected property in Miami Beach, offers guests a charming and unique boutique hotel experience, lauded for its distinctive Mediterranean design, attentive service, and prime beachfront location. While generally well-regarded for its value and ambiance, some guests have noted occasional issues with room size, noise, and specific amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Casa Faena generally garners positive feedback, with an overall rating of 7.5 on Agoda and an impressive 18.4 out of 20 from verified Michelin Guide guests. Guests frequently praise its outstanding value, scoring 8.1, and its commitment to cleanliness, rated at 8.5. The prevailing sentiment is that of a delightful, elegant retreat offering a unique atmosphere away from the typical South Beach hustle.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly drawn to Casa Faena's:

• Design & Ambiance: Housed in a Spanish-style building dating back to 1930, the hotel exudes old-world charm with Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial influences, modern artwork, arched architecture, and unique furnishings. The atrium with art books and comfortable sofas is a notable feature.
• Location: Its prime beachfront location on Collins Avenue, within the vibrant Faena District, is a significant draw. Guests appreciate being across the street from the beach, where hotel staff provide complimentary towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. The setting offers a quieter alternative to the more bustling South Beach scene.
• Service: Exceptional service and the friendly, attentive nature of the staff are consistently highlighted as key strengths.

3. Room Quality

The 50 rooms at Casa Faena are described as simple yet elegant, featuring Mediterranean designs, mid-century modern furniture, and unique touches such as carved bed frames, terracotta floor tiles, and antique rugs. Comfort is emphasized with plush bedding, Frette linens, pillowtop mattresses, and down comforters. Each room is equipped with HD flat-screen TVs, docking stations, safes, minibars, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms, often with blue tiles, include shower/tub combos, some with soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries. Select rooms offer private patios or balconies, while Queen Suites provide separate living rooms, and King Studios have direct access to a rooftop terrace. However, some guests have mentioned that certain bathrooms could benefit from refurbishing, noting calcium buildup on showerheads. Noise from the street or rooftop events can also be a concern in some rooms, and some guests found the room sizes to be small.

4. Dining Experience

Casa Faena features a restaurant, sometimes referred to as Cafe Claridge's or Café at Casa Faena, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with American and Argentinian cuisine. There is also "Campo," offering Latin-inspired New American cuisine in a casual setting with music. Guests can enjoy a refined continental breakfast, though it comes with a surcharge of $25.80 per person. The food quality receives positive remarks, with one guest specifically commending a delicious watermelon and tomato salad. While the dining options are well-received, Casa Faena is generally not considered a primary "hot spot" for dining or nightlife compared to other larger hotels.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Casa Faena consistently receives high praise for their genuine hospitality, warmth, and attentiveness. Guests report being greeted warmly and feeling well taken care of throughout their stay. The front desk staff, in particular, has been noted as friendly and helpful. Despite overall positive feedback, some experiences point to occasional understaffing, which can lead to delays, such as a lack of bellman service upon arrival or limited front desk personnel during late hours.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated at 3500 Collins Avenue, Casa Faena boasts a desirable location in the heart of Miami Beach's Faena District, directly across from the beach. This position allows guests to enjoy the ocean easily, with the added convenience of provided beach amenities. The hotel's placement between Mid Beach and South Beach offers a more tranquil environment, appealing to those seeking a quieter escape from the intense party scene of South Beach. Nearby attractions include the Miami City Ballet and various shopping landmarks such as Blank Canvas Gallery, Arthur Godfrey Road (41st Street), and Wings Beachwear. While valet parking is available, it can be expensive; self-parking options are also across the street. Public transportation and other dining/bar options in the immediate vicinity might be somewhat limited, requiring a walk or short ride to explore further.

7. Value & Pricing

Casa Faena is frequently highlighted for its exceptional value and "affordable luxury," especially when compared to other hotels in Miami Beach. With an average room price around $187, it stands as a more economical option than the city's average of $244. This competitive pricing, coupled with its unique character, makes it an attractive choice for many travelers. However, guests should factor in additional costs such as a daily continental breakfast surcharge of $25.80 per person and a resort fee of $31.92 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While generally positive, recurring criticisms for Casa Faena include:

• Noise: Guests have reported dissatisfaction with noise levels, which can originate from occasional street activity or, in some cases, a rooftop nightclub (though this may refer to offerings within the broader Faena District). Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
• Room Size: Some reviews indicate that room sizes can be small, not always meeting expectations for a 4-star establishment.
• Cleanliness/Maintenance: While overall cleanliness is highly rated, isolated comments mention noticeable calcium buildup on showerheads and general cleanliness not always aligning with a 4-star standard.
• Staffing Levels: Although service is generally excellent, a few guests have experienced delays or lack of assistance due to perceived understaffing, particularly regarding bellman service or limited overnight front desk presence.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. michelin.com
3. oyster.com
4. booking.com
5. kayak.com
6. hotels.com
7. faena.com
8. expedia.com
9. kayak.com